A Derby student is looking to inspire a generation and highlight her African roots as she battles to become Miss Africa GB for 2018.

Elizabeth Seyi, 19, of Alvaston, will be representing Togo in the annual beauty pageant and she hopes to be crowned champion so she can educate and encourage people in the African country to achieve their dreams.

The former Joseph Wright Centre student - who now studies art and design in Nottingham - will be making her way to London in October for the grand final, where she will be pitting her skills against 33 other girls from the UK, each representing a different African nation.

She said: "I am really excited to be taking part. I have never done anything like this before and, if I win, I want to use my experiences to help inspire others to overcome their fears and achieve anything they want to in their lives.

"This will be the first time anyone has represented Togo in the competition and it has been really interesting to focus on this and rediscover my roots of where I came from. Had it not been for Togo, I would not be here today, so it has been fascinating learning about the country and its culture."

The Miss Africa GB pageant was founded in 2011 and was formed with the sole purpose of giving young African girls born or living in the United Kingdom a platform to showcase their beauty, culture, talent and creativity.

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"I went to St Benedict's school and it would be great to show my old school friends that they can achieve anything if they put their mind to it.

"There is much more than meets the eye to these pageants and they look for a real rounded person. I have also made loads of friends through taking part in this, it has been a great experience.

Elizabeth is pictured with two of her competitors in Miss Africa UK. (Image: Elizabeth Seyi)

"I am looking forward to going to London for the final. When you see things like Miss Universe, everything is so slick and slender. This is the same and I have had to learn how to walk down the catwalk.

"It all looks so effortless but it is all planned and calculated.

"The whole thing has been amazing and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far."